Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana is expected to be out of action for up to nine months following surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. ACL surgery typically requires a recovery period of six to nine months, dealing a significant blow to Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino’s plans for the upcoming 2023-24 Premier League season, set to kick off on August 11.
In a surprising turn of events, Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic has finalized a four-year deal with AC Milan, owned by a U.S. consortium, after struggling to secure regular playing time in his fourth season with the London club.
Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana recently underwent surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament injury, which will keep him sidelined for several months. The 22-year-old did not join the Blues squad on their pre-season tour to the United States, as he needed to undergo “specialist medical assessments.”
A statement released by Chelsea confirmed that Fofana required ACL reconstruction surgery. It read, “Defender Wesley Fofana has undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery. The 22-year-old did not travel to America for the club’s pre-season tour due to specialist medical assessments, which unfortunately confirmed that an operation would be required. Wesley will now begin his recovery and work with the club’s medical department at Cobham during his rehabilitation phase.”
Fofana, who joined Chelsea from Leicester for a fee of £70 million last summer, made 22 appearances for the club last season. With the departure of defenders Kalidou Koulibaly to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal and former captain Cesar Azpilicueta to La Liga side Atletico Madrid, Fofana was expected to assume a more influential role in the team this season.
Chelsea’s 29-man travelling squad for their pre-season tour of the United States includes new signings Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Angelo Gabriel, Diego Moreira, and Dujuan Richards. Additionally, Malo Gusto and Andrey Santos, who were signed in January before being loaned out immediately, are also part of the squad. Jamaican international Dujuan Richards has been assigned a “training only” role.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino will take charge of his team for the first time in a match against Wrexham in Chapel Hill, North Carolina on Wednesday night. Following this, Chelsea will face a series of Premier League opponents in Brighton (July 22), Newcastle (July 26), and Fulham (July 30), with matches to be held in Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Landover, respectively. The tour will conclude with a game against Borussia Dortmund in Chicago on August 2.
Chelsea’s Premier League campaign will commence with a highly-anticipated clash against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on August 13. The absence of Wesley Fofana will undoubtedly pose a challenge for the Blues as they seek to make a strong start to the season and compete at the highest level.
